Frankly My Dear, I'm a little Disappointed

Disappointed in what you ask? In the music industry!

I admit, for the past few years, I have become a fan of such bands as We the Kings and Forever the Sickest Kids. (Not to sound more important that everyone else) But I've liked these bands since before they were really popular, as I'm sure a lot of people have.

But.

Come the rise of such super powers as Miley Cyrus, The Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez...aka...the Disney Channel Stars. People who got their fame by being on the Disney Channel.

So whats the link between these two subjects you ask?

Well.

Bands these days it seems will do anything to get one step further, to get 10 more fans, to get 100 more bucks, to be that more famous. First it was Forever the Sickest Kids re-doing one of their songs (Whoa-Oh, Me Vs. Everyone) with Selena Gomez. Fine. I can let that slip. Don't wanna, but I guess I have to. Next...We The King's new album Smile, Kid features a song with Demi Lovato. Come on. How many years has it been since your last album, and you give me this??

But wait! Don't be mad at me just yet. Hear my reasoning for my dismay.

I simply feel like it's a sell out. What about the older fans who want to see a bands evolution into something not necessarily better, but something more mature than what they were. What about the older fans who still want to see said band's show but doesn't want to be surrounded by little teeny-bobbers wearing "I Heart Joe Jonas" T-shirts? I feel like the so called "scene" bands are trying to milk the Disney Channel cash cow for all its worth. Sure, those stars are simply raking in the cash, but do they know what it's like to actually tour? And by tour I mean TOUR. Sleeping in a van with 8 to 10 other people every night after a show, so everyone smells of B.O. Eating what you can find at the gas station. The grueling schedule of load in, load out, set up, break town, teching..ect ect ect. What about the continuous cycle of sleep deprivation! These kids don't know about all this. They have 'people' to haul all that equipment around for them...all they have to do is get dressed, put on their face, and go out and sing. Granted! Granted they have to take care of their voice and they have to be aware of their body but still...they have it made in comparison to those who tour constantly will little to no money or reward.

I mean, let's face it, you're never going to see AFI do a duet with Miley Cyrus. Never. Why? Because AFI values themselves to much to create a train wreck like that. Some other bands need to gain some of that self respect as well.

My idea? Let's stick to what we know best. Let's take a break, a breather if you will, regain our composure, and go back out there and make some decent music. Make your own music. Be who you want to be as a band or musician. Don't succumb to the mainstream tween sensations. BE ORIGINAL. I don't care how much money you make, being original doesn't have a price.